# Mycelium-Based Earplugs GOB's DFC-001 Earplugs are Made Entirely from Lab-Grown Mycelium By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2024-10-14 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dfc001 References: [greenqueen.hk](https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/gob-mycelium-foam-earplugs-billie-eilish-the-lumineers-forager/) & [gob.earth](https://www.gob.earth/products/core-pack?variant=50336944914739)  Earplugs are useful for protecting hearing at loud events, but they often end up littering concert floors and contributing to landfill waste, prompting GOB to launch a single-use earplug called DFC-001 made with Forager’s [mycelium foam](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aifunghi). These comfortable, protective earplugs are useful for working, sleeping or safely enjoying concerts and they make the most of 100% lab-grown mycelium. The home-compostable [single-use earplugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-x-coachella-experience-2-earplugs) avoid the use of any [harmful chemicals and additives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycoworks-reishi), and they're introducing themselves as "the world's first truly sustainable hearing solution." GOB's innovative, mycelium-based earplugs ship in early 2025 and the startup landed deals with musicians like Billie Eilish and The Lumineers. “It’s hugely important that we support and road-test new products, especially when it comes to sustainability,” said Dick Massey, the tour manager of Billie Eilish. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 29% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sustainable Ear Protection:** GOB's mycelium-based earplugs address the environmental impact of traditional earplugs by introducing a biodegradable solution. - **Lab-grown Mycelium Products:** Forager’s mycelium foam highlights the potential of lab-grown materials in creating eco-friendly alternatives for everyday items. - **Celebrity-endorsed Eco-innovations:** With endorsements from notable musicians, the marketing of sustainable products receives a significant boost, driving consumer interest and adoption. ### Where This Applies - **Hearing Protection:** The hearing protection industry can explore biodegradable mycelium materials to develop environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional products. - **Biodegradable Products:** The success of mycelium-based earplugs demonstrates the viability of creating compostable products, paving the way for more sustainable consumer goods. - **Sustainable Fashion and Accessories:** Endorsements from high-profile celebrities create new opportunities within the sustainable fashion and accessories sector, encouraging innovation and eco-friendly designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Biodegradable Mycelium Earplugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gob-earplugs.md) - [Portable Everyday Earplugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-everyday-earplugs.md) - [Anxiety-Reducing Earplug Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earplug-design.md) - [Protective Everyday Earplugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/everyday-by-earpeace.md) - [Mushroom-Core Audio Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycoaudio.md) - [Music Festival-Branded Earplugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-x-tomorrowland-experience-2.md) - [Sustainable Acoustic Tiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycelium-wall.md) - [Upcycled Mycelium Acoustic Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foresta-system.md) - [Mycelium Leather Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myco-travel-pouch.md)